Michael James Cavanaugh

Michael James Cavanaugh was born on September 11, 1979, in Owosso, Michigan, and passed away on April 15, 2026, at the young age of 46, at MD Anderson in Houston, TX.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 pm, Friday, May 22, 2026, at NorthRidge Church Brighton Campus with Pastor Levi Kooistra officiating.

Raised in Corunna, Michigan by his mother, Susan, alongside his sisters, Heather and Shelly, Mike learned early the value of hard work, faithfulness, and quiet perseverance. He carried those qualities throughout every stage of his life, living with a steady devotion to both family and purpose. A graduate of Corunna High School, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Eastern Michigan University and later a Doctorate in Education from Western Michigan University.

While attending Eastern Michigan University, Mike met the love of his life, Andrea, through their mutual friend, Gernon Jones. Together they shared 16 years of marriage, building a life centered on love, commitment, and family. Their four children—Corbin, Myla, Cole, and Calvin—were the heart of his world. Everything he worked for, protected, and treasured was rooted in his deep devotion to them. His love was constant and most often expressed through his actions rather than words.

Mike had a lifelong love of sports, which naturally led him to coaching baseball and basketball. He gave generously of his time and encouragement, becoming not only a coach, but also a mentor and role model to many young athletes. His intelligence, patience, and guidance left a lasting impression on those he taught and supported.

A man of strong faith, Mike was deeply devoted to God and to his church family at NorthRidge Church, where he and Andrea were baptized together. His faith grounded him and remained a quiet but unwavering source of strength throughout his life.

Mike’s legacy is one of enduring love, resilience, and steadfast faith. He faced life’s challenges with courage and determination, fighting until the very end, while holding tightly to the people he loved most.

He is survived by his wife, Andrea; his children, Corbin, Myla, Cole, and Calvin; his mother, Susan Cavanaugh; his sisters, Heather (Bryan) Robertson and Shelly (Scott) Clifford; his honorary brothers, Paul Anderson and Jerome Higgins; his lifelong friends, affectionately known as the “Band of Brothers”; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to the family via https://bit.ly/cavanaughfamily26